Internship at UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific

Job Posting Organization:
The UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNCITRAL RCAP) is a unit within the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. Established to enhance international trade and development in the Asia-Pacific region, the Centre promotes certainty in international commercial transactions through the dissemination of international trade norms and standards, particularly those developed by UNCITRAL. The Centre also provides technical assistance to States regarding the adoption and uniform interpretation of UNCITRAL texts, engages in coordination activities with international and regional organizations involved in trade law reform, and serves as a communication channel between States in the region and UNCITRAL. For more information, visit https://uncitral.un.org and https://uncitral.un.org/en/TA/regionalcentre_asia_pacific.

Job Overview:
The internship at UNCITRAL RCAP is an unpaid, full-time position located in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Interns will work under the direct supervision of professional staff and may be required to undertake the internship remotely due to visa issuance constraints, international travel limitations, or access to UN premises. Interns will assist in preparing substantive documents related to the Centre's operations, contribute to identifying legislative reform needs, assist in collecting and analyzing case law, help develop and maintain the Centre's web page, and undertake various legal and administrative assignments as requested. This role is designed to provide interns with practical experience in international trade law and the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting officers of the UNCITRAL RCAP in preparing substantive documents related to the Centre's operations and activities, including organizing conferences.
• Contributing to the identification of legislative reform needs and technical assistance requirements in selected countries or sectors within the region.
• Assisting with the collection and analysis of case law on UNCITRAL texts, national legislation, and legal developments in the region.
• Helping develop and maintain the Centre's web page and preparing publicity materials.
• Assisting with the coordination functions of the Centre.
• Undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, WordPress, HTML, and electronic document management is advantageous. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential, as is the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have recently completed such a program. A field of study closely related to the internship is required, and knowledge of standard office computer applications is desirable. Applicants should also be able to manage their time effectively to ensure timely completion of tasks, which are often time-sensitive.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, it is essential that applicants have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. This ensures that interns can contribute meaningfully to the tasks assigned and gain relevant experience in the field of international trade law.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, as well as regional languages like Japanese or Korean, would be an advantage. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member. Applicants currently employed are encouraged to take a leave of absence or discontinue employment during the internship. While part-time internships may be possible, priority will be given to candidates who can commit to full-time work. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Successful candidates must report any current or future employment that coincides with the internship. A completed online application, including a Motivation Statement and proof of enrollment or graduation, is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Motivation Statement must detail the applicant's degree program, graduation date, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.